Liquor shops in Delhi are poised to shut their doors on several occasions between January and March 2024, following the announcement by the Delhi government of multiple ‘dry days.’ The decision includes the observance of a ‘dry day’ on January 26, in commemoration of Republic Day. Additionally, dry days are scheduled for February 24 (Guru Ravidas Jayanti), March 6 (Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti), March 8 (Maha Shivaratri), March 25 (Holi), and March 29 (Good Friday). On these specific dates, the sale of liquor will be prohibited in the national capital.
This move has stirred discussions within political circles, with leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, advocating for the declaration of an additional ‘dry day’ on January 22. This request aligns with the grand ceremony scheduled for the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. Several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, and Chhattisgarh, have already declared January 22 as a ‘dry day’ in conjunction with the Ayodhya event.
Last year, against the backdrop of political disputes between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, the excise commissioner was vested with the authority to declare dry days in the national capital. This transfer of power from the Chief Minister to the excise commissioner occurred in August.
The excise policy for the year 2021-22 in Delhi came under scrutiny, leading to its withdrawal on August 31, 2022. The Lieutenant Governor recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities in the policy’s implementation, citing favoritism in the issuance of liquor licenses. Subsequently, both the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered cases, resulting in the incarceration of several AAP ministers, including Manish Sisodia.
The Enforcement Directorate has issued a fourth summons to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, scheduling his appearance on January 18. Kejriwal has consistently accused the BJP-led Centre of engaging in political vendetta and using central agencies to target opposition leaders. He maintains that there is no evidence supporting the existence of an excise policy scam, and the accusations against AAP leaders are baseless.
The unfolding developments underscore the intricate intersection of political and policy issues in the national capital. The dynamics surrounding liquor policies, legal matters, and political rivalries continue to shape the regulatory landscape, impacting both the administration and the public. As Delhi navigates these challenges, the broader implications on governance, transparency, and public trust remain subjects of ongoing scrutiny.